Action uniformed sports player sculpture

ABSTRACT

A sculpture and methods of making the sculpture are provided. The sculpture may include a mannequin, sports apparel, and apparel flow padding. The mannequin may include a head, a torso, a pair of arms, and a pair of legs that are moveable into a play action position and firmly settable into the play action position. The head may include a mask of a face of a known player. The sports apparel may include a team jersey located on the mannequin. The team jersey may include an identification of the known player. The apparel flow padding may be located between the mannequin and the sports apparel. The apparel flow padding may affect the outside shape of the sports apparel and configure the sports apparel to provide an apparel flow effect for a moment in time corresponding with the play action position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to provisional application Ser. No. 62/144,228, filed on Apr. 7, 2015. The above referenced provisional application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Not Applicable]

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

[Not Applicable]

FIELD

Certain embodiments relate to an action uniformed sports player apparatus and a method of making the apparatus. More specifically, certain embodiments provide a sculpture formed by a mannequin set in an action pose and wearing sports apparel placed in a natural flow of a play action maneuver by positioning apparel flow mechanisms between the mannequin and the sports apparel.

BACKGROUND

Team and/or player jerseys are a common form of sports memorabilia sold in stores and displayed in museums. The jerseys typically include a player number, a team name and/or logo, and possibly the name of a well-known sports figure. Typically, in a retail setting, the jerseys are displayed on clothing hangers or conventional mannequins such that a potential purchaser inspects the jersey hanging in a straight form suspended from the hanger or mannequin. This conventional retail display provides little additional sales appeal and lacks realism. In a museum setting, the jersey may be part of the sculpture or the jersey may need to be cut and sewn on to the sculpture. In either case, the sculpture having the jersey typically lacks realism.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A method and sports action display apparatus including a sculpture formed by a mannequin set in an action pose and wearing sports apparel placed in a natural flow of a play action maneuver by positioning apparel flow mechanisms between the mannequin and the sports apparel are provided, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the present invention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary action uniformed sports player sculpture in a retail environment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary action uniformed sports player sculpture in a museum environment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the torso of an exemplary sculpture portion of an action uniformed sports player sculpture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the torso of an exemplary sculpture portion of an action uniformed sports player sculpture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the torso and arms of an exemplary sculpture portion of an action uniformed sports player sculpture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the torso and legs of an exemplary sculpture portion of an action uniformed sports player sculpture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the head, upper body torso, and arms of an exemplary sculpture portion of an action uniformed sports player sculpture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the head, upper body torso, and arms of an exemplary sculpture portion of an action uniformed sports player sculpture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the upper body torso and an arm of an exemplary sculpture portion of an action uniformed sports player sculpture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the upper body torso and an arm of an exemplary sculpture portion of an action uniformed sports player sculpture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of exemplary apparel flow padding secured to an arm of an exemplary sculpture portion of an action uniformed sports player sculpture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an exemplary mask to be overlaid on a head of an exemplary sculpture portion of an action uniformed sports player sculpture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an exemplary mask to be overlaid on a head of an exemplary sculpture portion of an action uniformed sports player sculpture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary mask overlaid on a head of an exemplary sculpture portion of an action uniformed sports player sculpture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary mask overlaid on a head of an exemplary sculpture portion of an action uniformed sports player sculpture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a head, upper body torso, and arms of an exemplary sculpture portion of an action uniformed sports player sculpture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a torso, arms, legs, and a portion of a head of an exemplary sculpture portion of an action uniformed sports player sculpture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary skate blade attachment and a base of an exemplary action uniformed sports player sculpture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram that illustrates exemplary steps for making an action uniformed sports player sculpture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments may be found in an action uniformed sports player apparatus 1 and a method 300 of making the apparatus 1 (also referred to as a sculpture). More specifically, certain embodiments provide a sculpture 1 formed by a mannequin or sculpture portion 100 set in an action pose and wearing sports apparel 180 placed in a natural flow of a play action maneuver by positioning apparel flow mechanisms 152, 153 between the mannequin 101, 110, 120, 130, 140 and the sports apparel 180.

As used herein, the terms “exemplary” and “example” mean serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. As used herein, the term “e.g.” introduces a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations.

As used herein, an element recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding the plural of the elements, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “a representative embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” “various embodiments,” “certain embodiments,” and the like are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising,” “including,” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional elements not having that property.

Although certain embodiments in the foregoing description may be shown with a hockey player as the action uniformed sports player apparatus, for example, unless so claimed, the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limited to hockey players and may additionally and/or alternatively be applicable to football players, baseball players, basketball players, soccer players, or any suitable character in a sports maneuver or other action pose. Moreover, although certain embodiments in the foregoing description may be shown with Patrick Kane or Jonathan Toews as the action uniformed sports player apparatus, for example, unless so claimed, the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limited to a particular professional athlete or celebrity and may additionally and/or alternatively be applicable to any suitable person, real or imagined, living or deceased.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 in a retail environment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the exemplary action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 is shown positioned in a retail environment (e.g., a clothing or sporting goods store). The action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 may comprise a sculpture portion 100 and a base portion 200. The sculpture portion 100 may be a mannequin, for example, comprising a head 101, torso 110, 120, arms 130, and legs 140, as described below in reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 6-11. The sculpture portion 100 (also referred to as a mannequin) may be set in an action position or pose, such as an action position of a hockey player that appears skating rapidly with an outstretched stick 163 waiting to contact a moving puck (not shown). The mannequin 100 may be dressed with sporting equipment 160, sports padding 170, and/or sports apparel 180, among other things. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 and in the exemplary case of a hockey player, the sporting equipment 160 may include a helmet 161, gloves 162, a hockey stick 163, and ice skates 164. The sports padding 170 can include shoulder pads 171 and leg pads 172, for example. The sports apparel 180 may include a team jersey 181, pants 182, leggings 183, and the like. The sports apparel 180 is positioned to take on the form of the particular action being demonstrated by the sculpture portion 100 as described in more detail below.

The sculpture portion 100 is secured to the base portion 200 such that the sculpture portion 100 is held in an upright position in its play action pose. The base portion 200 may be acrylic or any suitable material. The base portion 200 may be a circular planar base or any suitable shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the base portion is approximately four feet (e.g., three to five feet) in diameter or length and width. In an exemplary embodiment, the base portion 200 is approximately one inch (e.g., one-half inch to three inches) thick. However, larger and smaller diameters, lengths/widths, and/or thicknesses are contemplated as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. In certain embodiments, the base portion 200 is configured to weigh more than the sculpture portion 100. For example, if the sculpture portion is approximately thirty pounds, the base portion 200 may be configured to be approximately fifty pounds. Moreover, other base portion 200 configurations, such as two half base portions or any suitable configuration, are contemplated as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

The sculpture 100 may be secured to the base portion 200 by an attachment mechanism, such as the skate blade attachment 190 described below in reference to FIG. 12. Additionally and/or alternatively, the base portion 200 may include a number of locations (e.g., three or four locations) where the sculpture portion 100 is secured to the base portion 200. For example, one metal pipe construction may extend from base portion 200 into one of the skates 164 of the player and up into the sculpture portion 100 to hold it upright. The other skate 164 may be wired through a hole in base portion 200 to firmly secure the other skate 164 into position relative to the base portion 200. Also, the stick 163 may be wired through a hole in the base portion 200 to hold the end of the stick 163 into position. The base may be an entire floor in 2-4 ft. squares and half to one inch thick.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 in a museum environment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the exemplary action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 is shown positioned in a museum setting. The action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 may comprise a sculpture portion 100 and a base portion 200. The sculpture portion 100 may be a mannequin, for example, and may be set in an action position or pose. The mannequin 100 may be dressed in sports apparel 180, among other things. The sports apparel 180 may include a team jersey 181, pants 182, leggings 183, and the like.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the sports apparel 180 is positioned to take on the form of the particular action being demonstrated by mannequin 100. That is, the action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 is constructed in a way so as to place the sports apparel 180 in a flow or movement at a point in time, as though the action were actually occurring. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the team jersey 181 and pants 182 may include apparel flow effects 184, such as flaring, movement or action wrinkles, and the like. More specifically, pants 182 may be configured to spread outwardly as though caught in the wind or motion of a quick maneuver by the player. As another example, the bottom and/or sleeve(s) of team jersey 181 may be configured to show various wrinkles from the player's twisting maneuver as the player pushes the stick 163 forward during play. The wrinkles, flaring, and any other suitable apparel flow effects 184 may be created by positioning apparel flow mechanisms, such as apparel flow padding 152 or any suitable mechanism, between the mannequin 100 and the sports apparel 180 as described below in reference to FIG. 5, for example.

The exemplary action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 illustrated in FIG. 2 shares various characteristics with the exemplary action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 as described above.

FIGS. 3A-D are perspective views of the torso 110, 120, arms 130, and legs 140 of an exemplary sculpture portion 100 of an action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 3A-D, the sculpture portion 100 may be a mannequin having a torso 110, 120, arms 130, and legs 140. Accordingly, the sculpture portion 100 may be a humanoid. The torso 110, 120 may include an upper body torso 110 and a lower body torso 120. The upper body torso 110 may include a body 111, head connector 112, and shoulders 113, among other things. The head connector 112 is configured to receive a head 101 of the mannequin 100. The shoulders 113 are configured to receive arms 130 of the mannequin 100. The lower body torso 120 may include hips 121, for example. A bottom of the body 111 of the upper body torso 110 may be securable in an action position to a top portion of the lower body torso 120. For example, the upper body torso 110 and lower body torso 120 can be aligned, twisted in either direction, and/or bent in any direction. The torsos 110, 120 may be attached and secured with an attachment mechanism 151 such as screws, hook and loop fasteners, tape, two-sided tape, glue, a ball and joint, and/or any suitable attachment and securement mechanism. In various embodiments, the upper body torso 110 and lower body torso 120 may be integrated. As an example, the torsos 110, 120 may be molded together in a pre-determined set position.

The arms 130 may include upper arms 131, forearms 132, elbows 133, and hands 134. A bottom of the upper arms 131 may be securable in an action position to a top of the forearms 132 at the elbows 133. A bottom of the forearms 132 may be securable in an action position to a top of the hands 134. The shoulder portions 113 of the upper torso 110 may be securable in an action position to a top portion of the upper arm portions 131 of the arms 130. For example, each of the arms 130 may be positioned up, down, forward, backward, in, out, bent, straight and/or any suitable combination to provide any desired action position. The arms 130 may be positioned or attached and then secured with an attachment mechanism 151 such as screws, hook and loop fasteners, tape, two-sided tape, glue, a ball and joint, and/or any suitable attachment and securement mechanism. In various embodiments, the shoulder 113 and/or various components 131, 132, 133, 134 of the arms 130 may be integrated. As an example, the shoulder 113 and/or various components 131, 132, 133, 134 of the arms 130 may be molded together in a pre-determined set position.

The legs 140 may include upper legs 141, lower legs 142, knees 143, and feet 144. A bottom of the upper legs 141 may be securable in an action position to a top of the lower legs 142 at the knees 143. A bottom of the lower legs 142 may be securable in an action position to a top of the feet 144. A bottom of the hips 121 of the lower torso 120 may be securable in an action position to a top portion of the upper leg portions 141 of the legs 140. For example, each of the legs 140 may be positioned up, down, forward, backward, in, out, bent, straight and/or any suitable combination to provide any desired action position. The legs 140 may be positioned or attached and then secured with an attachment mechanism 151 such as screws, hook and loop fasteners, tape, two-sided tape, glue, a ball and joint, and/or any suitable attachment and securement mechanism. In various embodiments, the hips 121 and/or various components 141, 142, 143, 144 of the legs 140 may be integrated. As an example, the hips 121 and/or various components 141, 142, 143, 144 of the legs 140 may be molded together in a pre-determined set position.

The exemplary sculpture portion 100 of the action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 illustrated in FIGS. 3A-D shares various characteristics with the exemplary sculpture portion 100 of the action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 as described above.

FIGS. 4A-D are perspective views of the head 101, upper body torso 110, and arms 130 of an exemplary sculpture portion 100 of an action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 4A-D, the sculpture portion 100 may be a mannequin having a head 101, upper body torso 110, and arms 130. The head 101 may be connected to the upper body torso 110 at the head connector 112 as illustrated in FIG. 3C. The arms 130 may include an upper arm 131, forearm 132, elbow, and hands 134. An upper portion of the upper arm 131 may be secured to the upper body torso 110 at a shoulder 113 as illustrated in FIG. 3C.

The sculpture portion 100 may be dressed with sporting equipment 160, sports padding 170, and sports apparel 180. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A-D, the head 101 has been dressed with a helmet 161. The upper torso 110 has been dressed with shoulder pads 171 and a team jersey 181. One of the hands 134 of sculpture portion 100 has been dressed with a glove 162. The outside of the gloves 162 may be fitted with an attachment mechanism 153, such as hood and loop fasteners, tape, glue, ties, or the like for receiving and securing a stick 163 to the gloves 162 in the proper direction. The gloves 162 may also be selectively positioned on the hands 134 using an attachment mechanism 153 on the inside of the gloves 162 to hold the gloves 162 at the proper angle.

Still referring to FIGS. 4A-D, the team jersey 181 sleeves have been pulled up to access the arms 130 of the mannequin 100 such that the arms 130 may be positioned in a desired action pose. The upper arms 131 and forearms 132 of the mannequin 100 may be bolted together at elbow joints 133 via attachment mechanisms 151, such as screws 143 or any suitable mechanism for attaching and locking the arms 130 in a desired position. For example, screws 151 may permit the forearms 132 to pivot at the elbows 133 relative to the upper arms 131 of mannequin 100 when loosened and may set the position of the arms 130 when tightened.

The exemplary sculpture portion 100 of the action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 illustrated in FIGS. 4A-D shares various characteristics with the exemplary sculpture portion 100 of the action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 as described above.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of exemplary apparel flow padding 152 secured to an arm 130 of an exemplary sculpture portion 100 of an action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, exemplary apparel flow padding 152 is secured between the sports apparel 180 and the sculpture portion 100. The apparel flow padding 152 may push out or pull in sections of the sports apparel 180. For example, the placement of the apparel flow padding 152 may show the forces acting on the sports apparel 180 as a result of acceleration or gravity (e.g., g-forces) from the player spinning during skating, the player hacking the puck, or the like, all of which have an effect on the sports apparel 180. The apparel flow padding 152 is in addition to and/or an alternative to, and should not be confused with, sports padding (e.g., shoulder pads, thigh pads, knee pads, rib guards, neck rolls, shin guards, etc.), clothing padding (e.g., women's dress shoulder pads, etc.), or the like. Sports apparel 180 is designed to fit over a user and any sports padding 170 positioned to protect the user. Apparel flow padding 152, on the other hand, is positioned and secured to manipulate the sports apparel 180 thereby providing an apparel flow effect 184 for a given moment in time corresponding with the action pose of the sculpture portion 100.

The apparel flow padding 152 may be foam, cloth, cotton, plastic, metal foil, or any suitable material. For example, the apparel flow padding 152 may be injected foam, such as molded rubberized foam. In various embodiments, the molded foam pieces may be stackable to vary the size of the apparel flow padding 152. As another example, the apparel flow padding 152 may be a bubble wrap material that can vary in size dependent upon the amount of material placed between the mannequin 100 and the sports apparel 180. The apparel flow padding 152 can be secured to one or more of the surface of the sculpture 100 and the sports apparel 180 by a padding securement mechanism 153 to hold the sports apparel 180 in place. The padding securement mechanism 153 may include, hook and loop fasteners, an adhesive, tape, pins, or any suitable securement mechanism.

Still referring to FIG. 5, apparel flow padding 152, such as a bubble wrap material, is placed between a team jersey 181 and an upper arm 131 of a mannequin 100. The apparel flow padding 152 is secured to the upper arm 131 by a padding securement mechanism 153, such as duct tape. The team jersey 181 may then be positioned over the apparel flow padding 152 and optionally secured to the padding 152 by the padding securement mechanism 153 or another securement mechanism. The positioning of the team jersey 181 over the apparel flow padding 152 provides an apparel flow effect 184 for a given moment in time corresponding with the action pose of the sculpture portion 100. In various embodiments, pants 182, leggings 183, and other sports apparel 180 may be manipulated by apparel flow padding 152. In various embodiments, the locking mechanisms 151 for securing the mannequin 100 in a particular action pose along with the apparel flow padding 152, and apparel flow securement mechanisms 153 may be referred to as action mechanisms 150. The action mechanisms 150 may provide realism to the action uniformed sports player sculpture 1.

The exemplary sculpture portion 100 of the action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 illustrated in FIG. 5 shares various characteristics with the exemplary sculpture portion 100 of the action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 as described above.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an exemplary mask 102 to be overlaid on a head 101 of an exemplary sculpture portion 100 of an action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a side view of an exemplary mask 102 to be overlaid on a head 101 of an exemplary sculpture portion 100 of an action uniformed sports player sculpture 1. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary mask 102 overlaid on a head 101 of an exemplary sculpture portion 100 of an action uniformed sports player sculpture 1. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary mask 102 overlaid on a head 101 of an exemplary sculpture portion 100 of an action uniformed sports player sculpture 1. Referring to FIGS. 6-9, a mask 102 may be created for fitting on a head 101 of a mannequin 100. The mask 102 may be formed to match the particular look of a specific professional sports player or other celebrity. In various embodiments, the mask 102 fitted to the head 101 of a sculpture portion 100 may correspond with a player number, name, and/or team shown on the team jersey 181 placed on the sculpture portion 100 to provide a realistic viewing experience.

The mask 102 may be silicone or any suitable material. The mask 102 may include paint 104 to provide colors of the skin, eyes, lips, hair, and the like. The mask 102 can additionally and/or alternatively include real or synthetic hair, such as on the top of the head, eyebrows, eye lashes, facial hair, and the like. In various embodiments, facial features, such as the eyes, teeth, nose, and lips may be bent or sanded, or otherwise formed so as to match the player's looks.

Once the mask 102 is completed, the mask 102 may be fitted over a mannequin head 101 having a human head shape. The mannequin head 101 is positioned on the upper torso 110 at the head connector 112 as shown in FIG. 3C, for example. The head connector 112 allows the head 110 to be turned and positioned in different ways, and then to be locked into a final position via a locking mechanism, such as a screw or any suitable mechanism. For example, the head 101 may be held in position on the torso via the mechanical arrangement of the head connector 112. The head 101 may be lifted and turned into the proper position. The head 101 may be pressed back down on the upper body torso 110 to lock it so that it remains in position. The base of the neck may be secured into a groove formed into the upper body torso 110 and locked into that position. In various embodiments, sporting equipment, such as a helmet 161, hat, headband, or the like, may be fitted on the head 101 having the mask 102, as illustrated in FIG. 9, for example.

The exemplary mask 102 for fitting on a head 101 of a sculpture portion 100 of the action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 illustrated in FIGS. 6-9 shares various characteristics with the exemplary head 101 of the sculpture portion 100 of the action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 as described above.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a head 101, upper body torso 110, and arms 130 of an exemplary sculpture portion 100 of an action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a torso 110, 120, arms 130, legs 140, and a portion of a head 101 of an exemplary sculpture portion 100 of an action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the sculpture portion 100 comprises a head 101, a torso 110, 120, arms 130, and legs 140, among other things. The head 101 may include a mask 102 as described above with reference to FIGS. 6-9. The torso 110, 120 may include an upper body torso 110 coupled to a lower body torso 120 in a settable position. The upper body torso 110 may include a body 111 and shoulders 113. Shoulder pads 171 may be placed on the shoulders 113 of the upper body torso 110 and the body 111, shoulders 113, and arms 130 may be dressed with a team jersey 181. The head 101, arms 130, and upper body torso 110 may be secured in a selectable position corresponding with an action pose. The head 101 may be fitted with a helmet 161 and the hands 134 of the arms 130 may be dressed with gloves 162 in a selectable position. The legs 140 may include upper legs 141, lower legs 142, knees, 143, and feet 144. FIG. 11 shows the legs 140 prior to: (1) positioning in the action pose, (2) dressing with leg pads 172, pants 182, leggings 183, and ice skates 164, (3) securing the sculpture portion 100 to the base portion 200, and (4) adding apparel flow mechanisms 152, 153 for providing an apparel flow effect 184 for a given moment in time corresponding with the action pose of the sculpture portion 100.

The exemplary sculpture portion 100 of the action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 illustrated in FIGS. 10-11 shares various characteristics with the exemplary sculpture portion 100 of the action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 as described above.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary skate blade attachment 190 and a base portion 200 of an exemplary action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 12, the skate blade attachment 190 comprises a skate blade base 191, a skate blade slot 192, and securement mechanisms 193, among other things. The skate blade base 191 is configured to attach to the base portion 200 by one or more of the securement mechanisms 193. For example, one or more of the securement mechanisms 193 may be screws operable to extend into holes of the base portion 200. Additionally and/or alternatively, the skate blade base 191 may be secured to the base portion 200 by an adhesive, tape, or any suitable securement mechanism. The skate blade slot 192 may be configured to receive a blade of an ice skate 164. The skate blade slot 192 may be angled to correspond with a selected pose of the sculpture portion 100 of the action uniformed sports player sculpture 1. The blade of the ice skate 164 received in the skate blade slot 192 may be locked in place by one or more of the securement mechanisms 193. For example, one or more of the securement mechanisms 193 may be screws operable to narrow the skate blade slot 192 and/or push against a blade of an ice skate 164 inserted into the skate blade slot 192. Additionally and/or alternatively, a blade of an ice skate 164 received in the skate blade slot 193 may be secured within the skate blade slot 193 by an adhesive or any suitable securement mechanism.

The exemplary skate blade attachment 190 and a base portion 200 of an exemplary action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 illustrated in FIG. 12 shares various characteristics with the exemplary sculpture portion 100 coupled to the base portion 200 of the exemplary action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 as described above.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram 300 that illustrates exemplary steps 302-316 for making an action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown a flow chart 300 comprising exemplary steps 302 through 316. Certain embodiments of the present invention may omit one or more of the steps, and/or perform the steps in a different order than the order listed, and/or combine certain of the steps discussed below. For example, some steps may not be performed in certain embodiments. As a further example, certain steps may be performed in a different temporal order than listed below, including but not limited to simultaneously. Although the method is described with reference to the exemplary elements of the apparatus 1 described above, it should be understood that other implementations are possible.

At step 302, sports player reference image data may be generated and/or received. For example, photography or video of the actual player in live action may be used to provide a mapping of the visual occurrence of the player and sports apparel movement during play action. In certain embodiments, a circular video of a view all around the player may be taken, and then assembled as a video, or one or more photographs, to show the player frozen at a movement in the action. In various embodiments, a plurality of freeze action high definition video cameras (e.g., eighty cameras) may be positioned in a circle are a specifically defined area. The player may enter the defined area and perform specific functions of a game action, such as skating, striking a puck, blocking a puck, and the like. The cameras may be synchronized so that when the player is in the defined area a complete 360° view of that player is acquired to provide highly detailed reference image data so any facial, body, and/or sports apparel characteristics may be replicated. For example, the cameras may provide image data to a computer executing software configured to create models of the player (e.g., reference image data).

At step 304, a player mask 102 is created and overlaid on a head base to form a head 101 of a sculpture portion 100. In various embodiments, the player mask 102 may be created based at least in part on the reference image data generated and/or received at step 302. For example, the reference image data may be reviewed when preparing the mask 102 and applying hair 103 and/or paint 104 to the mask 102. The mask 102 may be silicon or any suitable material. The paint 104 may be applied to provide color for the skin, hair, eyes, lips, teeth, and the like. In certain embodiments, real and/or synthetic hair may be adhered to the mask 102 as facial hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, and/or on the top of the head. The head base may be foam or any suitable material. The head base may have a human head shape that at least generally corresponds with the facial structure of the sports player being recreated. For example, the reference image data may be applied to create a mold for creating a foam head base to apply the mask 102. The mask 102 may be configured to resemble a professional, college, or Olympic sports player and/or other celebrity. For example, in the hockey player example, the player may be Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, or any suitable recognizable hockey player.

At step 306, sports padding 170, if any, is positioned on the sculpture portion 100. In various embodiments, the sports padding may be positioned based at least in part on the reference image data generated and/or received at step 302. For example, if modeling a hockey player, shoulder pads 171 and leg pads 172 may be placed on the shoulders 113 and legs 140 of the mannequin 100. As another example, shoulder pads, rib pads, a neck roll, thigh pads, and knee pads may be positioned on a football player. Furthermore, shin guards may be placed on a soccer player.

At step 308, the sculpture portion 100 of action uniformed sports player sculpture 1 may be dressed in sports apparel 180 based at least in part on the reference image data. For example, a team jersey 181, pants 182, leggings 183, and/or the like may be placed on the mannequin 100 having the sports padding 170.

At step 310, the sculpture portion 100 may be positioned and secured in a selected action pose. In various embodiments, the head 101, torso 110, 120, arms 130, and/or legs 140 may be positioned in the action pose based at least in part on the reference image data generated and/or received at step 302. For example, the head 101 may be attached to the upper torso 110 at a head connector 112 and tilted and/or rotated to a particular position. The upper arms 131 may each be secured to a shoulder 113 of the upper torso 110 in a selected pose. The forearms 132 may be secured to the upper arms 131 at the elbows 133 in a particular position by a locking mechanism 151. The upper legs 141 may be attached to the hips 121 of the lower torso 120 in a selected pose. The lower legs 142 may be secured to the upper legs 141 at the knees 143 in a specific position by a locking mechanism 151.

At step 312, sporting equipment 160 may be placed on the sculpture portion 100 based at least in part on the reference image data. For example, a helmet 161 may be placed on a head 101 of the mannequin 100. As another example, gloves 162 may be placed on the hands 134 of the mannequin 100 and ice skates 164 may be placed on the feet 144 of the mannequin 100. In various embodiments, a hockey stick 163 may be coupled to the gloves 162 with a securement mechanism, such as hook and loop fasteners, adhesive, tape, or the like.

At step 314, the sculpture portion 100 is secured to a base portion 200 to form the action uniformed sports player sculpture 1. In various embodiments, the sculpture portion 100 may be coupled to the base portion 200 based at least in part on the reference image data generated and/or received at step 302. For example, in the hockey player embodiment, the ice skates 164 affixed to the mannequin 100 may be received in skate blade attachment mechanisms 190 and secured to the base portion 200. The skate blade attachment mechanisms 190 may have skate blade slots 192 angled to receive the sculpture portion 100 in a particular action position. The skate blade attachment mechanisms 190 may be positionally attached to the base portion in a selected action pose. Additionally and/or alternatively, wires or rods may extend from the base portion 200 and couple with hockey stick 163, skates 164, and/or legs 140, among other things, of the sculpture portion 100.

At step 316, apparel flow mechanisms 152 is positioned and secured between the sports apparel 180 and the sculpture portion 100. In various embodiments, the apparel flow mechanisms 152 are positioned based at least in part on the reference image data generated and/or received at step 302. For example, the apparel flow mechanisms may include apparel flow padding 152 that is positioned on the mannequin 100 at locations where the padding will bump out the sports apparel 180 to position and hold the sports apparel 180 outwardly from the mannequin 100 to place the apparel 180 in a flow action display (e.g., as though the player were actually moving). The apparel flow padding 152 may be secured to the mannequin 100 and/or the sports apparel 180 by apparel flow padding securement mechanisms 153, such as hook and loop fasteners, adhesive, tape, and the like. The importance of the apparel flow padding 152 is to capture visually the player's sports apparel 180 at a point of motion that is taking place by the player during game play.

Various embodiments provide sculpture 1 comprising a mannequin 100, sports apparel 180, and apparel flow padding 152. The mannequin 100 may comprise a head 101, a torso 110, 120, a pair of arms 130, and a pair of legs 140. The head 101, the pair of arms 130, and the pair of legs 140 may be pivotally attached to the torso 110, 120. The torso 110, 120, the pair of arms 130, the pair of legs 140, and the head 101 may be moveable into a play action position and firmly settable into the play action position. The head 101 may comprise a mask 102 of a face of a known player. The sports apparel 180 may comprise a team jersey 181 located on the mannequin 100. The team jersey 181 may comprise an identification of the known player. The apparel flow padding 152 may be located between the mannequin 100 and the sports apparel 180. The apparel flow padding 152 may affect the outside shape of the sports apparel 180 and may configure the sports apparel 180 to provide an apparel flow effect 184 for a moment in time corresponding with the play action position.

In a representative embodiment, the identification of the known player is one or more of a player name and a player number. In certain embodiments, the mask 102 is silicon and comprises one or more of paint 104 and hair 103. In various embodiments, the torso 110, 120 comprises an upper body torso 110 pivotally attached to a lower body torso 120. In a representative embodiment, the upper body torso 110 comprises a body 111, a head connector 112 configured to pivotally receive the head 101, and a pair of shoulders 113, each of the shoulders 113 configured to pivotally receive one of the pair of arms 130.

In certain embodiments, each of the arms 130 may comprise an upper arm 131, an elbow 133, a forearm 132, a hand 134, and at least one locking mechanism 151. The upper arm 131 may comprise a first end and a second end. The first end of the upper arm 131 may be configured to pivotally attach to one of the pair of shoulders 113. The forearm 132 may comprise a first end and a second end. The first end of the forearm 132 may be configured to pivotally attach to the second end of the upper arm 131 at the elbow 133. The hand 134 may be configured to attach to a second end of the forearm 132. The at least one locking mechanism 151 may be configured to firmly set one or more of the upper arm 131, the forearm 132, and the hand 134 in the play action position. In a representative embodiment, the at least one locking mechanism 151 may comprise a screw that is tightened to firmly set the one or more of the upper arm 131, the forearm 132, and the hand 134 in the play action position.

In various embodiments, the lower body torso 120 comprises a pair of hips 121. Each of the hips 121 may be configured to pivotally receive one of the pair of legs 140. In certain embodiments, each of the legs 140 comprises an upper leg 141, a knee 143, a lower leg 142, a foot 144, and at least one locking mechanism 151. The upper leg 141 may comprise a first end and a second end. The first end of the upper leg 141 may be configured to pivotally attach to one of the pair of hips 121. The lower leg 142 may comprise a first end and a second end. The first end of the lower leg 142 may be configured to pivotally attach to the second end of the upper leg 141 at the knee 143. The foot 144 may be configured to attach to the second end of the lower leg 142. The at least one locking mechanism 151 may be configured to firmly set one or more of the upper leg 141, the lower leg 142, and the foot 144 in the play action position. In various embodiments, the at least one locking mechanism 151 may comprise a screw that is tightened to firmly set the one or more of the upper leg 141, the lower leg 142, and the foot 144 in the play action position.

In a representative embodiment, the apparel flow padding 152 is injected foam. In certain embodiments, the apparel flow padding 152 is bubble wrap. In various embodiments, the apparel flow padding 152 is secured to one or more of the sports apparel and the mannequin by an apparel flow securement mechanism 153. In a representative embodiment, the apparel flow securement mechanism 153 is one or more of hook and loop fasteners, tape, and adhesive. In certain embodiments, the sculpture 1 may comprise sports padding 170 located on the mannequin 100 and at least partially under the sports apparel 180. In various embodiments, the sports padding 170 may comprise one or more of shoulder pads 171, leg pads 172, and clothing padding.

In certain embodiments, the sculpture 1 may comprise sporting equipment 160 attached to the mannequin 100. In a representative embodiment, the sporting equipment 160 may comprise one or more of a helmet 161, gloves 162, a hockey stick 163, and ice skates 164. In various embodiments, the sculpture 1 may comprise a base portion 200. The mannequin 100 may be mountable to the base portion 200. In certain embodiments, the pair of legs 140 may comprise feet 144. The mannequin 100 may comprise ice skates 164 coupled to the feet 144. The mannequin 100 may be mountable to the base portion 200 at a skate blade attachment mechanism 190. The skate blade attachment mechanism 190 may comprise a skate blade base 191 and a skate blade slot 192. The skate blade base 191 may be mountable to the base portion 200. The skate blade slot 192 may be in the skate blade base 191. The skate blade slot 192 may be configured to receive a blade of the ice skates 164. The skate blade slot 192 may comprise an angle corresponding with the play action position.

As utilized herein, “and/or” means any one or more of the items in the list joined by “and/or”. As an example, “x and/or y” means any element of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. As another example, “x, y, and/or z” means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. As utilized herein, the term “exemplary” means serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. As utilized herein, the terms “e.g.” and “for example” set off lists of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations.

While the present invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but that the present invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A sculpture comprising: a mannequin having a head, a torso, a pair of arms, and a pair of legs, wherein the head, the pair of arms, and the pair of legs are pivotally attached to the torso, wherein the torso, the pair of arms, the pair of legs, and the head are moveable into a play action position and firmly settable into the play action position, and wherein the head comprises a mask of a face of a known player; sports apparel comprising a team jersey located on the mannequin, wherein the team jersey comprises an identification of the known player; and apparel flow padding located between the mannequin and the sports apparel, the apparel flow padding affecting the outside shape of the sports apparel and configuring the sports apparel to provide an apparel flow effect for a moment in time corresponding with the play action position.
 2. The sculpture of claim 1, wherein the identification of the known player is one or more of a player name and a player number.
 3. The sculpture of claim 1, wherein the mask is silicon and comprises one or more of paint and hair.
 4. The sculpture of claim 1, wherein the torso comprises an upper body torso pivotally attached to a lower body torso.
 5. The sculpture of claim 4, wherein the upper body torso comprises: a body, a head connector configured to pivotally receive the head, and a pair of shoulders, each of the shoulders configured to pivotally receive one of the pair of arms.
 6. The sculpture of claim 5, wherein each of the arms comprises: an upper arm comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the upper arm configured to pivotally attach to one of the pair of shoulders, an elbow, a forearm comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the forearm configured to pivotally attach to the second end of the upper arm at the elbow, a hand configured to attach to a second end of the forearm, and at least one locking mechanism configured to firmly set one or more of the upper arm, the forearm, and the hand in the play action position.
 7. The sculpture of claim 6, wherein the at least one locking mechanism comprises a screw that is tightened to firmly set the one or more of the upper arm, the forearm, and the hand in the play action position.
 8. The sculpture of claim 4, wherein the lower body torso comprises a pair of hips, each of the hips configured to pivotally receive one of the pair of legs.
 9. The sculpture of claim 8, wherein each of the legs comprises: an upper leg comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the upper leg configured to pivotally attach to one of the pair of hips, a knee, a lower leg comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the lower leg configured to pivotally attach to the second end of the upper leg at the knee, a foot configured to attach to the second end of the lower leg, and at least one locking mechanism configured to firmly set one or more of the upper leg, the lower leg, and the foot in the play action position.
 10. The sculpture of claim 9, wherein the at least one locking mechanism comprises a screw that is tightened to firmly set the one or more of the upper leg, the lower leg, and the foot in the play action position.
 11. The sculpture of claim 1, wherein the apparel flow padding is injected foam.
 12. The sculpture of claim 1, wherein the apparel flow padding is bubble wrap.
 13. The sculpture of claim 1, wherein the apparel flow padding is secured to one or more of the sports apparel and the mannequin by an apparel flow securement mechanism.
 14. The sculpture of claim 13, wherein the apparel flow securement mechanism is one or more of: hook and loop fasteners, tape, and adhesive.
 15. The sculpture of claim 1, comprising sports padding located on the mannequin and at least partially under the sports apparel.
 16. The sculpture of claim 15, wherein the sports padding comprises one or more of: shoulder pads, leg pads, and clothing padding.
 17. The sculpture of claim 1, comprising sporting equipment attached to the mannequin.
 18. The sculpture of claim 1, wherein the sporting equipment comprises one or more of: a helmet, gloves, a hockey stick, and ice skates.
 19. The sculpture of claim 1, comprising a base portion, wherein the mannequin is mounted to the base portion.
 20. The sculpture of claim 19, wherein the pair of legs comprises feet, wherein the mannequin comprises ice skates coupled to the feet, and wherein the mannequin is mounted to the base portion at a skate blade attachment mechanism comprising: a skate blade base mountable to the base portion, and a skate blade slot in the skate blade base configured to receive a blade of the ice skates, wherein the skate blade slot comprises an angle corresponding with the play action position. 